Our vision for our children and young people - To make North Somerset a truly great place for children and young people to thrive; where all have the best possible life and opportunities, including those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged and/or have special educational or additional needs.

Please be advised, we are currently only accepting applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

About the role

You will be supported by a strong and consistent senior management team, with a manageable caseload, high quality reflective supervision working in supportive and creative social work teams.

This is a permanent position with full time or part time hours available.

Duties and responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking S47, assessment, planning, intervention and review to support children who are in need, including child protection, care proceedings and children looked after.
• Working collaboratively with other professionals in order to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to improving outcomes for children, young people and their families.
• Working with a small number of children and families, to achieve the best possible long-term outcomes for children, using Signs of Safety (training and support provided if required).
• Continuously improve your practice by developing your knowledge and skills through post qualifying training.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

About you

For this role you must:

• Be a qualified Social Worker (with a Social Work England Registration) with a passion for working with children and their families to help improve their outcomes and to keep them safe from harm using a strengths-based approach.
• Have sound knowledge of relevant childcare legislation, including a clear understanding of ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ and fostering regulations and legislation.
• Have an ability to build effective relationships with children, young people and families.

Why North Somerset?

We understand working for a local authority is more than just a job. We want to ensure our employees remain passionate about what they do and enjoys their time at North Somerset. Whether that means you want training and development opportunities or a flexible working arrangement to fit around family commitments, we will work with you to ensure you are getting the best out of your employment.

Our vision

Our council vision is ‘an open, fairer, greener North Somerset’ and we have three key priorities:

• A thriving and sustainable place
• A council which empowers and cares about people
• An open and enabling organisation.

Our values

Our organisational values are important. They help guide us in how we work and provide services for our residents. Our people produced our values in collaboration with elected members. They provide a strong ethos and help us to deliver our ambitious agenda, working in partnership across the council and beyond:

• We act with integrity
• We respect each other
• We innovate
• We care
• We collaborate.

We offer

Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance with the option to purchase up to an additional 10 days per year.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

Want to know more and apply?

For an informal discussion, please contact Shelley Caldwell, Head of Family Support & Safeguarding on 07824 085762.

Anticipated interview date: To be confirmed.

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated.  We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant.  We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

North Somerset Council – Open, Fairer, Greener.